Product classification

HS code for Steatite: 2526.10

Steatite, natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape, talc.

Classification of steatite under HS 2526.10

Natural steatite, also known as soapstone, is classified under HS code 2526.10 when it is in its natural state, not crushed or powdered. This classification is part of Chapter 25, which covers earth, stone, and mineral substances. Heading 2526 specifically includes natural steatite and talc. The subheading 2526.10 is designated for material that is unworked or merely roughly trimmed or cut into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. Steatite is a metamorphic rock rich in magnesium and is valued for its heat resistance, chemical stability, and electrical insulating properties. The classification depends heavily on the level of processing. To remain in 2526.10, the stone must not have undergone any processing beyond simple sawing or rough shaping. This material is often imported by manufacturers to be further processed into electrical insulators, laboratory surfaces, or decorative carvings. The mineralogical identity is key; steatite is essentially a massive form of talc. If the stone has been further worked (e.g., polished, turned, or carved), it moves out of Chapter 25 and into Chapter 68, which covers articles of stone.

Covers
  • Natural steatite blocks, unworked
  • Roughly trimmed soapstone slabs
  • Natural steatite cut by sawing into rectangular shapes
  • Unprocessed talc in bulk rock form
  • Steatite blocks for industrial carving
Also under 2526.10
  • Vermont Soapstone blocks
  • Brazilian Soapstone slabs
  • Chinese Talc lumps
  • Indian Steatite blocks

Codes often confused with 2526.10

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2526.20, which is specifically for steatite and talc that has been crushed or powdered. Importers must distinguish between the raw rock (2526.10) and the processed powder (2526.20). Another error is using HS code 6802, which covers worked monumental or building stone. If the steatite has been polished or finished into a specific shape like a countertop or a statue, it is no longer considered a raw mineral of Chapter 25 and must be classified under 6802 or 6815.

2526.20Steatite; natural, crushed, powdered, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc68.02Monumental or building stone, worked (except slate) and articles thereof (not of heading no. 6801) mosaic cubes etc., of natural stone including slate; artificially coloured granules of natural stone68.15Stone or other mineral substances; articles thereof (including carbon fibres, articles of carbon fibres and articles of peat), not elsewhere specified or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 252610 (the code used for steatite), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 252610 (the code used for steatite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 252610, not only steatite.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $29M
  2. 2 United States $15M
  3. 3 India $13M

World total: $98M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Japan $30M
  2. 2 United States $26M
  3. 3 South Korea $19M

World total: $141M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for steatite

Brazil classifies steatite under NCM 2526.10.00: HS 2526.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about steatite

What is the HS code for Steatite?

The HS code for Steatite is 252610 (Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc).

How do I classify Steatite for customs?

Steatite is classified under HS code 252610 — Steatite; natural, (not crushed or powdered), whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape; talc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for natural steatite?

The HS code for natural steatite that is uncrushed and unpowdered is 2526.10.

What is the difference between steatite and talc in the HS code?

In the Harmonized System, steatite and talc are grouped together under the same heading (2526) because they are mineralogically similar. Steatite is the massive, rock-like form of the mineral talc.

Which countries are the top exporters of steatite (HS 252610)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 252610 (the code used for steatite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 30% of world exports), the United States ($15M) and India ($13M). World exports came to about $98M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of steatite (HS 252610)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 252610 (the code used for steatite) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and South Korea ($19M). World imports came to about $141M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Is the HS code for Steatite the same in all countries?

The base HS code 252610 for Steatite is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for steatite in Brazil?

In Brazil, steatite (HS 252610) is classified under NCM 2526.10.00.